Coaching Parents in Storytelling Yankton SD

There are parents, siblings, teachers, and friends. There are also characters who are dealing with the same situations they are. In this way, stories help children know they are not alone in their problems. They also let them see someone else handle the issue. Once exposed to how a storybook character masters a difficult situation, children are often inspired to tackle their own problems.

Coaching Parents in Storytelling

Stories take us to magical places. They take us outside the realm of our reality and immerse us in a world of possibilities. These possibilities make storytelling an excellent tool for helping children meet the challenges of everyday living. Many children find it hard to discuss their problems. They may feel embarrassed, guilty or shy. Stories offer them a safe place to explore and identify their emotions. When children hear or read stories they become part of another world. It is a world similar to the one in which they live. There are parents, siblings, teachers, and friends. There are also characters who are dealing with the same situations they are. In this way, stories help children know they are not alone in their problems. They also let them see someone else handle the issue. Once exposed to how a storybook character masters a difficult situation, children are often inspired to tackle their own problems.

Storytelling Tips

What's the problem? Before choosing a story to read or tell parents first need to pinpoint the problem. This can be difficult if your child is hesitant to share. Think back to the recent past. Has anything changed? Did you move? Did your child change schools or classrooms? Have you noticed that your child is not talking about or playing with the same children as before? Is your child having a hard time grasping a particular subject? Has your toddler developed a fear of the dark? Any change in routine, fear or new challenge may cause problems for your child.

Look for the book. Once parents identify the problem, they need to find a book that addresses it. Look for stories that are age appropriate and will appeal to your child. Your local librarian can help with this. Another resource is Books to Grow With - A Guide to Using the Best Children s Fiction for Everyday Issues and Tough Challenges. This reference book, written by Cheryl Coon, offers parents reading suggestions on over one hundred topics. From toilet training to starting school to death, there is a book written about it.

Accentuate the positive. Make sure that the story you choose has a positive message and positive values. The story is your tool. It is what will help you give your child the confidence to succeed. By seeing a character overcome a tough situation, the child gets the message it is possible. That he can do it too.

Choose a good time and place. Choosing when and where you share stories with your child can be as important as the story itself. Children will not benefit fully from the message if they are not focused. Pick a comfortable place with no noise or distractions. Choose a time when your child is more centered and less restless. If you have a young child, hold him close or on your lap so that there will be a connection. Also, if you are reading to more th...

When I was growing up, the only way to raise a true world denizen was at an exorbitantly priced Swiss boarding school. Luckily, such elitism has been thrown out the window, and now parents raise bilingual and multicultural children themselves. The children grow up just as world-savvy and sophisticated -- and actually know their own parents! Still for the do-it-yourselfer, a few tips can smooth the way. Read on for more.